New Acquisition, Athens obol.

[Dino]

ATTICA, Athens. Circa 454-404 BC. AR Obol (8.5mm, 0.66 g, 11h). Helmeted head of Athena right, with frontal eye / Owl standing right, head facing; olive sprig to left; all within incuse square. Kroll 13; HGC 4, 1665. VF, find patina, minor roughness.

Just got this in an auction.

Looking at the photos, I'm hoping the detail can benefit from some cleaning.  Looks like a relatively thick coating of black gunk may be hiding some features.

[quadrans]

Nice acquisition, congratulation 

Q.

[Meepzorp]

Hi Dino,

Nice coin!

And beautiful dark toning too.

Meepzorp

[djmacdo]

I would be reluctant to clean that coin.  There is enough corrosion that I fear you would end up with a rough, pitted surface much less attractive than it is now.

[Dino]

I agree that I will need to be careful and I will check it carefully with a loupe once I get it, but I think that on the obverse I don't think I want to touch the crest. I think, however, that the scroll work on Athena's helmet, her eye and ear, and the field in front of her can be improved with some cleaning.  On the reverse I think the same with respect to the wings on the owl and the area behind the owl. 

[Nemonater]

I would be afraid that, even if the cleaning was successful, there would be shiny silver areas standing in contrast to that nice dark toning.  In any case, a fantastic coin as is!

[Dino]

I will post some after pics.  For better or worse....